Your boat lift is vital for protecting and maintaining your vessel during boating season. However, when winter arrives, you must winterize it and maintain it throughout the season. Read on to learn the do’s and don’ts of boat lifts in the winter so you can avoid unfortunate pitfalls and look forward to getting back out on the water.
Do Inspect Your Boat Lift Before Storing It
As prepare your lift for winter, take the time to examine every component for wear, misalignment, or damage. Check the cables, pulleys, bolts, and frame for visible signs of corrosion or strain. Over time, repetitive use and exposure to water can weaken components, so it is imperative to inspect it.
Cables often bear the brunt of lifting and lowering your boat, so replace frayed or split cables immediately. A comprehensive inspection will also provide an opportunity to find any quirks in the system. Leaving damaged or loose parts unchecked runs the risk of more serious issues later, which can compound repair bills. Addressing these issues proactively saves time and money in the long run.
Do Not Store Your Boat Lift in an Unsafe Place
One of the major don’ts of boat lifts in the winter is storing it in an unsafe place. If you can store it, make sure you put it in a secure location that will not experience floods. Consider factors like accessibility when selecting storage. Shelters that protect equipment from high winds or excessive moisture eliminate the bulk of environmental threats during winter storage.
In addition, remember that it is important to handle your boat lift properly when putting it into storage. Collapsing parts of the lift during storage can also reduce space requirements and prevent mishaps.
Do Clean Your Boat Lift Before Putting It into Storage
Before putting your boat lift into storage, make sure you clean it. Lakes, rivers, and saltwater can contain contaminants and debris that stick to lifts after use. Leftover grime accelerates corrosion during storage, leading to premature equipment failure.
Take time to clean every surface of the lift, and pay attention to areas exposed to water or debris. Equipment that operates in saltwater will require extra care since salt buildup causes corrosion.
Algae, mud, and other residues can cause wear on pulley systems and lifting mechanisms. Use a hose or pressure washer to remove debris, and make sure components are dry before storage. Take this opportunity to clean hard-to-reach spaces as well, since it will prevent contaminants from causing hidden damage.
Do Not Leave the Boat Lift in the Water If You Can’t Store It
Some boat owners may lack the resources to store their boat lifts for the winter. If you find yourself in this situation, do not leave your lift submerged in the water. This is one of the most hazardous mistakes that you can make.
When water freezes in the winter, it can expand and put undue pressure on the lift’s frame and system. Freezing temperatures combined with constant ice movement and shifting water levels will bend, warp, or crack components.
Moisture exposure also weakens metal parts and creates long-term damage that reduces a lift’s lifespan. Persistent cold also affects vital moving parts, increasing the likelihood of operational failure during the next season’s boating activities.
Instead, remove the lift from the water wherever possible. The risks associated with ice and temperature fluctuations far outweigh the short-term inconvenience of sheltering it. A lift sheltered from the cold has a greater chance of maintaining its structural integrity through the off-season. This will allow you to avoid the high repair or replacement costs often caused by freezing conditions.
In addition, take the time to remove the motor from the lift to protect it from winter damage. That will prevent unpleasant surprises when boating season begins again.
Do Secure Your Boat Lift
Another important thing to do when winterizing your boat lift is to secure it in place. Strong winds are common culprits behind damage to improperly secured lifts. To mitigate these risks, you must secure your equipment.
Anchor the boat lift securely to the dock or other stable fixtures. This step prevents equipment movement from high winds. Using heavy-duty straps is helpful for stabilizing the frame, and adjusting support points ensures balance.
Additionally, use canopies to shield the lift from heavy snow and rain. These will protect against excessive moisture and debris collection, which cause damage over time. Take these steps so your boat lift survives harsh weather.
Do Not Skip Maintenance During the Off-Season
Your work is not done after completing these steps. Instead, the off-season gives you the perfect chance to perform maintenance. With your equipment out of use for a full season, you have downtime to focus on tasks that safeguard reliability. If you are outdoors, try running the boat lift to ensure that it still functions correctly.
Once again, inspect every nut, bolt, and cable to identify weaknesses while the lift is idle. Tighten loose components, and replace worn-out parts proactively. Performing maintenance in the off-season saves you from rushing to complete repairs when you are ready to get on the water.
Following these do’s and don’ts of boat lift maintenance will protect your equipment and guarantee hassle-free performance when boating season arrives. Each proactive step keeps potential hazards at bay and extends the life of your lift. Instead of it being in disrepair, your boat lift will be ready to go when you go boating again in the spring and summer.
If you need a lift to protect your boat when the weather gets warmer, On Pointe Contracting has you covered. Our boat lift and dock company offers a wide range of quality products from renowned brands. In addition, our staff carries extensive expertise and can advise you on steps to extend the lives of your lifts and docks.